Elections should be determined by voters, not politicians who manipulate voting maps. But gerrymandering — the manipulation of the map-drawing process for political gain — makes it easier for politicians and political parties to consolidate power and win elections at the expense of voters and our democracy.
Campaign Legal Center has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years and has vigorously worked to advance solutions to end this practice. But recent developments have shown that what we need now is a national effort to prevent gerrymandering across the country once and for all. Simply put: Congress must pass legislation that includes an explicit nationwide ban on partisan gerrymandering and mandates independent redistricting in every state.
Campaign Legal Center already endorses two bills that would achieve fairer maps: The Freedom to Vote Act gives federal courts the ability to determine when a partisan gerrymander has gone too far. And the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would ensure the already-illegal practice of racial gerrymandering is more effectively policed. We also have long supported independent redistricting commissions.
Fair representation starts with fair maps — because voters deserve a meaningful say in who makes the decisions that affect them every day. Banning partisan gerrymandering and adopting independent redistricting nationwide, along with strengthening existing protections for fair maps, would allow voters to choose their elected representatives instead of the other way around.
Americans deserve to know that our elected officials are making decisions for the public’s best interest, not to make themselves richer. In this video, we break down the reasons why it’s time to ban congressional stock trading. Read more about the comprehensive solutions Campaign Legal Center is advancing in this related explainer.
The nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center is dedicated to advancing democracy through law at the federal, state and local levels, fighting for every American’s rights to responsive government and a fair opportunity to participate in and affect the democratic process.
